The CW’s New Series ‘Kung Fu’ Starring Olivia Liang Promises Diversity

The CW’s revival stars Olivia Liang, giving ABC’s 1974 original Kung Fu series a modern and diverse twist that showcases the classic CW dramatics fans have come to love, mixed with action-packed heroics.

Creator Christina M. Kim’s version of this classic series focuses on a young Chinese-American woman named Nicky Shen (Liang). After a quarter-life crisis, Shen drops out of college to visit an isolated monastery in China. When she returns to San Francisco, after having a life-changing experience, she finds corruption running amuck in her hometown.

The upcoming series will follow Shen along her journey as she navigates life back in San Francisco, becoming somewhat of a Kung Fu warrior vigilante. Her technology proficient sister, Althea Chen (Shannon Dang), Althea’s fiancé Dennis Soong (Tony Chung), pre-med brother Ryan Chen (Jon Prasida), Assistant District Attorney and ex-boyfriend Evan Hartley (Gavin Stenhouse), all join new love interest Henry Chu (Eddie Liu) as they help Shen to save her parents, Jin Chen (Tzi Ma) and Mei-Li Chen (Kheng Hua Tan), who are being held captive.

Shen seeks justice with her martial arts skills and Shaolin values while searching high and low for the assassin that murdered her mentor Pei-Ling (Vanessa Kai). Though the reboot has a modern spin that focuses on a having a strong female lead, as well as a diverse and cinclusive cast that hopes to defy current entertainment steroetypes.

Nicky is destined for greatness. #KungFu premieres Wednesday, April 7! Stream next day free only on The CW. pic.twitter.com/0QdrK8f87j

— Kung Fu (@cw_kungfu) March 8, 2021

The newly released trailer has fans of the network more than excited to see the new series, showcasing the bond between family, friends, and of course, Kung Fu.

The original Kung Fu, created by Ed Spielman, focused on a Shaolin monk and martial arts expert named Kwai Chang Caine (David Carradine). After his master dies, he flees China and roams America’s Old West to defend the helpless, search for his half-brother, and avoid Chinese bounty hunters.

it’s goin down @cw_kungfu pic.twitter.com/IljICQLaGq

— Olivia Liang 🦋 (@olivialiang_) March 5, 2021

Liang recently appeared on the CW’s show Legacies as semi-villain Alyssa Chang, gaining traction within the fan base and network. Given her role in Legacies, Liang is no stranger to the world of dramatic flair, and fans are excited to see her now bringing the incredible bad-ass Nicky Shen to life.

Can’t wait to see Kung Fu on the CW. I’m sure @olivialiang_ is gonna be amazing in this role! 😁 https://t.co/YmEJTc4HLU pic.twitter.com/GR80khDTG1

— José (@Kindr3dVillain) March 4, 2021

The series has been well applauded for its Asian-American cast, breaking down entertainment normalities and bringing a refreshing take to television culture. Liang has spoken about her desire for diversity and inclusivity in media presence, especially when it comes to the portrayal of Asain characters being accurately portrayed and represented. With the original Kung Fu series having centered around a non-Asian lead, Liang, fellow cast members, and The CW have taken an enormous stride in beaking the stereotypes commonly found when dealing with Asian-centric entertainment.

in case anyone doesn’t know the history: the original kung fu was supposed to be led by bruce lee but those in charge didn’t think people would want to watch an asian-led show, so enter the YT man. we have come a long way and i’m proud we get to reclaim this. https://t.co/w3gXtgRu9y

— Olivia Liang 🦋 (@olivialiang_) March 8, 2021

YALL THE CASTING IS CHEFS KISSSS https://t.co/DJcIeOpmzY

— tiff 🐢 (@teefknee) March 9, 2021

Kung Fu will debut Wednesday, April 7 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on The CW, and will be available to stream free on the CW website the following day. For more updates on the show, you can follow @cw_kungfu and Olivia Liang on Twitter.